{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f3\froman\fcharset2\fprq2{\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol;} {\f36\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0502050508020304}CG Omega{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f169\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}{\f170\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f172\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;} {\f173\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f174\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}{\f175\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f176\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;} {\f177\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}{\f529\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 CG Omega CE{\*\falt Century Gothic};}{\f533\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 CG Omega Tur{\*\falt Century Gothic};} {\f536\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 CG Omega Baltic{\*\falt Century Gothic};}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0; \red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{ \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 Normal;}{\s1\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel0\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 1;}{\s2\qc \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel1\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 2;}{\s3\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel2\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 3;}{ \s4\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel3\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 4;}{\s5\qj \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel4\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 5;}{\s6\qc \li0\ri0\sl360\slmult1 \keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel5\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 6;}{ \s7\ql \li0\ri0\keepn\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\outlinelevel6\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\f36\fs24\ul\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext0 heading 7;}{\*\cs10 \additive \ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\* \ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\trcbpat1\trcfpat1\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 header;}{\*\cs16 \additive \sbasedon10 page number;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid346688192 \listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc23\levelnfcn23\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'01\u-3913 ?;}{\levelnumbers;}\f3\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid266356810} {\list\listtemplateid346843054\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid419984034}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid419984034\listoverridecount0\ls1}{\listoverride\listid266356810\listoverridecount0\ls2}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid1056055\rsid3824241\rsid7545101\rsid7564001\rsid8411146\rsid11216004\rsid15667005} {\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr16\min13}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy3\hr9\min11}{\printim\yr2004\mo5\dy5\hr18\min42}{\version4}{\edmins5}{\nofpages4} {\nofwords1073}{\nofchars6117}{\*\company }{\nofcharsws7176}{\vern16391}}\margr1440\margb720 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984 \dghshow0\dgvshow0\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot3824241 \fet0\sectd \linex0\endnhere\titlepg\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\header \pard\plain \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar \tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\pvpara\phmrg\posxc\posy0\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\field{\*\fldinst {\cs16\insrsid8411146 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \cs16\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid7564001 4}}}{\cs16\insrsid8411146 \par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid8411146 \par }}{\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}} {\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8 \pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7545101 {\b\fs24\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 AT SUVA}{\fs24\insrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\b\fs24\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 APPELLATE JURISDICTION}{\b\fs24\insrsid1056055 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7545101 {\b\fs24\insrsid7545101\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7564001 0}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 37 OF 2004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 BETWEEN: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 ETONIA ROKOWAQA \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 AND: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 STATE \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Respondent \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 Counsel: \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7564001 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 Appellant -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 In Person \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 Mr. N. Lajendra -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 for the State \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par Date of Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3824241\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 5th May, 2004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3824241\charrsid11216004 Date of Judgment: }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 11th May, 2004}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 JUDGMENT \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par On the 7th of January, 2004 the appellant was charged with a representative offence of defilement of a girl between 13 and 16 years of age.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He pleaded guilty immediately and was subsequently sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He appeals against sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Particulars of the Offence \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The victim who was aged 15 was a resident of St. Christopher\rquote s Home, an Orphanage run by the Anglican Church at Nasinu. \par \par The appellant was employed at the home.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He was in a trusted position.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Between August and December 2002 on a number of occasions he had sexual intercourse with the young complainant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The sexual relationship was discovered when it was found that the complainant was pregnant.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Her baby was adopted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Grounds of Appeal \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 In a written petition of appeal the appellant specifies four grounds:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 1. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 A failure by the Court to give him a full discount for an early guilty plea.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 2. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 A failure by the Court to recognise that he was a first offender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 3. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 A complaint that the Director of Public Prosecutions and Legal Aid Counsel were absent at the reading of his sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 4. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 A mitigation that the welfare of his five year old daughter and an unemployed wife should be considered.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11216004 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The Appeal \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The appellant appeared unrepresented.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He wished the proceedings to be translated for him into the Fijian language and this was undertaken by my Clerk.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He was provided with a warning concerning his constitutional rights to representation and the availability of Legal Aid.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He elected to continue with the sentence appeal today unrepresented and without the benefit of furthering his legal aid application. \par \par The appellant originally filed a written petition of appeal and each of the 4 grounds were reviewed with him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He relied on those and apart from emphasising the fact that he was a first offender who was worried about his family he did not advance his submissions before me beyond the points contained in the petition. \par \par The State filed helpful written submissions.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Mr. Lajendra properly conceded that the learned magistrate\rquote s sentence was not properly constructed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 However, he submitted the State\rquote s position was that a sentence of 4 years imprisonment was not excessive or unduly harsh. \par \par Counsel reminded the Court that the maximum penalty for this offending was increased in October 2003 from 5 years to 10 years.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 It was submitted that Parliament had indicated by this amendment that the crime was a prevalent and serious one.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The Sentence \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Perhaps not unreasonably the written sentencing decision concentrates on the extreme aggravating feature of this offending: breach of trust.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The decision fails to find an appropriate starting point for the offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 It does not record matters of aggravation and mitigation against that starting point.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 It gives the impression that the learned magistrate was perhaps overborne by the circumstances of the offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 That is a completely natural response where a 40 year old man grossly breaches the trust of an immature and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7564001 vulnerable young girl to fulfil}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 his sexual cravings. \par \par The sentencing decision appropriately records deterrence as the prime motivation.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Regrettably the decision lacks structure and balance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Decision \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid11216004 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 My learned sister Justice Shameem in the decision of the }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 State v Roqica & Others}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Criminal Appeal No. HAA 037 of 2002S provides a useful analysis of the sentencing tariff for this type of offending.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 In that decision at page 5 by reference to her earlier sentencing appeal of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Donumainasuva v the State}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7564001 Criminal Appeal No. HAA00}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 32 of 2001 her honour found that sentences for the defilement of girls between the ages of 13 and 16 range from a suspended sentence for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \'93virtuous friendship\'94 offending to 3 to 4 years imprisonment}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 where the offender is older and in a trusted position in relation to the victim. \par \par In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Roqica}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 (supra) the offenders were not in a relationship with the victim.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 They were young men who set out to exploit the sexual willingness of a very young girl.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 There was no evidence of virtuous friendship.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 A starting point of 2 years imprisonment was thought appropriate.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 When aggravating and mitigating factors were applied an effective sentence of 12 months imprisonment was imposed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 This was subsequently discounted to reflect time served on the original sentence of binding over. \par \par The increase in penalty will be reflected in an increase in both the starting points and terms of imprisonment imposed. The maximum sentence for this offence is now 10 years imprisonment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 In this case the leaned magistrate was dealing with a representative charge of sexual exploitation of a 15 year old girl by an older man over a period of several months.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 This must call for a starting point of 4 years imprisonment. \par \par In my analysis this case was more serious then }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Donumainasuva}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 and }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Roqica.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par \par The aggravating circumstances are that the offending occurred over three months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 It was perpetrated by a man who at 40 years of age was 25 years the senior of his child victim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The child complainant fell pregnant to him.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 There was a gross and inexcusable breach of trust that can be considered as nothing less than sexual exploitation and abuse of his young victim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 The victim was entitled to look upon him as a trusted member of the church community there to provide protection, care and guidance.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 Instead he preyed upon her vulnerability.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 I find the aggravating features would entitle the Court consider at the minimum the addition of 12 months imprisonment to the starting point. \par \par In mitigation the appellant claimed he was a 40 year old subsistence farmer with one child.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He said he was separated at the time of the offence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He said he was in a relationship with the child victim.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He was sorry for the offending but wanted to see the child.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He asked for leniency.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He was a first offender and he co}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 operated with the police.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 He pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity once the correct charge had been established.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 In those circumstances I would have allowed him an 18 month discount for the mitigation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005 .}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid11216004 \par \par In the end this analysis would see an available sentence of 3 years and 6 months jail. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15667005 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 In my view on a sentencing appeal the Court is required to consider whether th e Judge at first instance was not only wrong in principle but by that error imposed an excessive sentence or one that was unduly harsh.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 I have come to almost the same conclusion as the learned magistrate about the appropriate length of sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 The difference in sentence is a mere 6 months.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 In my view that is not a significant difference.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 I cannot say that such a difference demonstrates undue harshness, or excess.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 In those circumstances, it would be wrong to interfere with the sentence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Conclusion \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Although I find that the original sentence was improperly structured, I nonetheless cannot disagree with the ultimate term imposed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11216004\charrsid15667005 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 I cannot find it to be unduly harsh or excessive and accordingly the appeal is dismissed.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15667005 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 Gerard Winter}{ \b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid15667005 JUDGE}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15667005 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15667005\charrsid15667005 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7564001 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1056055\charrsid7564001 At Suva \par 11th May, 2004 \par }}